Committee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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committee
[kəˈmɪt.i ]
Definitions
in organizations
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group.
Synonyms
board, commission, council, panel.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| committee |
A committee is typically used for a smaller group of people appointed for a specific task or to make decisions about certain issues within an organization or event. It's often temporary.
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| board |
A board is a group of individuals elected or appointed to oversee the activities of an organization, regularly making key decisions and setting policies. It's often used in the context of corporations or nonprofits.
|
| panel |
A panel is a group of experts or professionals who discuss, advise on, or judge a particular matter. This is commonly used in academic, professional, or media contexts.
|
| council |
A council is a group of people elected or appointed as an advisory or legislative body. This word is often used in the context of local government or certain organizations.
|
| commission |
A commission is a group of people officially charged with a particular function, often an investigation, policy study, or regulation. It's usually formed by a government or official body.
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Examples of usage
- The committee meets every Thursday to discuss important matters.
- She was appointed to the budget committee last year.
- The committee decided to postpone the event due to bad weather.
- The committee members have different opinions on this issue.
- The committee is responsible for organizing the annual conference.
in government
A group of people appointed for a specific task or duty by a larger group, such as a legislative body.
Synonyms
board, commission, council, panel.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| committee |
Used for a group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. It often handles a subset of organizational tasks or issues.
|
| commission |
Implies an official group assigned to a particular task by a government or other institution. It often deals with specific issues or investigations.
|
| council |
Typically denotes an assembly of people convened for advisory, deliberative, or legislative purposes, often within local government or organizations.
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| panel |
Applies to a group of experts or specialists gathered to discuss or decide on a particular issue; often used in contexts such as interviews or evaluations.
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| board |
Refers to a group of individuals, typically elected or appointed, who oversee the activities of an organization, such as a company or nonprofit.
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Examples of usage
- The committee is reviewing the proposed changes to the tax law.
- The committee submitted its report to the parliament.
- The committee recommended new regulations for environmental protection.
- The committee members have expertise in various fields.
- The committee holds public hearings to gather input from citizens.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- In ancient Greece, citizens were part of small groups that made decisions on local matters, similar to committees today.
- The committees of the French Revolution played a crucial role in shaping modern political organization.
- Many legislative bodies worldwide operate through committees to handle specific issues, such as finance or health.
Pop Culture
- Movies and TV shows often depict committee meetings as comedic scenes filled with different opinions, highlighting the challenges of group decision-making.
- The famous sitcom 'Parks and Recreation' showcases a unique committee dynamics through its quirky characters.
- Organizations like the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences use committees to decide award nominees and winners.
Psychology
- Group dynamics in committees can lead to 'groupthink,' where members prioritize harmony over critical analysis.
- Diverse committees are typically more effective, as different backgrounds contribute varied perspectives and ideas.
- The 'wisdom of crowds' phenomenon suggests that collective decision-making in committees can produce better results than individual opinions.
Education
- In academic settings, committees often oversee curriculum development and ensure quality in educational programs.
- Student councils are a type of committee where students voice their ideas and concerns about school matters.
- Research committees are common in universities, tasked with evaluating grant applications and ethical considerations in studies.
Origin of 'committee'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'committee' comes from the Latin word 'committere,' meaning to bring together or entrust with a task.
- The term started being used in English in the late 15th century, reflecting the growing need for organized groups in government.
- Originally, committees were often formed to manage finances or administrative duties, highlighting their practical purpose.
The word 'committee' originated from the Latin word 'committere', which means 'to commit'. It first appeared in English in the 15th century. Committees have been a fundamental part of organizational and governmental structures for centuries, allowing for specialized groups to focus on specific tasks or issues. The concept of committees has evolved over time to become an essential element of decision-making processes in various sectors.
See also: commit, commitment, commitments, committed, uncommitted.